River plate

Gallardo regrets Lanzini’s departure

River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo regretted the departure of midfielder Manuel Lanzini to Arabia yesterday, but preferred not to think about the players who left the club.

“We are going to suffer the loss of a skilled player like ‘Manu,’ but I knew it could happen. However, it’s a pity because with his skills he could have gone to a better league. I wish him the best luck,” said Gallardo in a press conference after the training session in Ezeiza.

The trainer understands the uncertainty about the first team will continue until August 31 — when the European transfer window ends — as Colombians Éder Álvarez Balanta and Teófilo Gutiérrez could be sold.

I hope I can count with all the players I have now, but it will depend on them and the club,” said the coach.

With the departure of Carlos Carbonero, Cristian Ledesma and now Lanzini, and with captain Fernando Cavenaghi injured, Gallardo is confident that he can achieve positive results with the team.

“I trust in the squad I have and we will get the results if we work hard.”

Gallardo also admitted that Huracán’s Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez, who is on River’s shortlist, would be an important signing for the club.

“I suggested the officials to try to sign Martínez after Lanzini’s departure. He is a skilled player who could be important for the team. They are making an effort.”

River President Rodolfo D’Onofrio was surprised by the coach’s reaction after Lanzini’s sale to Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates.

“It took me by surprise his reactions because he knew what was going on. Neither Gallardo nor us wanted to sell Lanzini, but it was impossible to keep him in the club,” said D’Onofrio.

Ariel Rojas, Leonardo Pisculichi and Sebastián Driussi are the candidates to take Lanzini’s place in the first team for River’s debut in the tournament tomorrow against Gimnasia y Esgrima in La Plata.